The Punjab government is preparing to impose sweeping restrictions on the advertisement of food items linked to heart disease and other rising health complications, as part of a broader effort to curb non-communicable illnesses in the province.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, officials confirmed that the Punjab Food Authority has formally sought recommendations from leading nutrition experts to finalise the policy framework.
According to the proposals under review, the government is considering a partial ban on the promotion of junk food targeted at children, amid growing concern over childhood obesity and diet-related diseases.
Experts have also been asked to advise on strategies to encourage healthier and more balanced food choices among the public.
Under the planned reforms, it will become mandatory for manufacturers to clearly display nutritional ingredients on labels of ghee, cooking oils and all packaged food items.
The authority also intends to require that all food products undergo laboratory testing at approved facilities.
Comprehensive checks have been proposed for all milk-based products, while a complete ban on advertisements of junk and sugar-rich foods for children is also being evaluated.
The proposed restrictions extend to digital spaces, with suggestions to prohibit the promotion of unhealthy foods across social media and other online platforms.
Recommendations have further been made to introduce nutrition as a compulsory subject within the school curriculum, aiming to instil healthy eating habits from an early age.
Officials said that the reforms will be aligned with the Educational Institute Food Standards Regulations 2017, which will now be strictly enforced to ensure compliance in schools and other institutions.
Reporter: Mian Kaleem Akhtar